A Summer Destination Next Door

Editor's Note: Have you eaten at Greene Turtle? What did you think? Tell us in the comments. 

With the exception of saltwater taffy and Fisher’s Popcorn, most of Ocean City’s “charms” are probably best left on the Eastern Shore.

Don’t get me wrong – the beach town has a special place in my heart with its endless 70s décor and precarious Ferris wheel. There are just few things I’d like to take back home with me.

One Ocean City staple I am a fan of, however, is the Greene Turtle, which opened its 25th location in April at the Hunt Valley Town Center in the spot that formerly belonged to Damon’s Grill.

Since opening in Ocean City in 1976, the Greene Turtle has expanded throughout Delaware, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Franchises are set to continue opening throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

I grew up visiting Ocean City in the summertime, and it may simply be that I associate the Greene Turtle with Ocean City, but there is something inexplicably comforting about the Greene Turtle, and the Hunt Valley version is no exception.

Approaching from the parking lot, I could hear the loud but pleasant sounds of laughter and chatter from the patio. The weather was great and those looking for some good food and happy hour fun were taking advantage.

Inside, the bar and restaurant are spacious, with flat screen TVs in every nook and cranny – including one at each table. It was immediately apparent that this Greene Turtle succeeded in making itself equal parts family restaurant and sports bar with a friendly and attentive staff.

Upon arriving, I was ravenous, and although I couldn’t make up my mind about what I wanted to eat, I knew I wanted an appetizer. Everything on the menu sounded delicious.

To start, I ordered French onion soup ($3.99). The broth was flavorful – sweetened by the caramelized onions and not too salty – and the melted provolone and parmesan cheese on top left me wanting more.

But I had a decision to make. I was torn between the shroom burger ($8.99) with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions and Swiss cheese and the crabby melt ($8.99), a grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar, crab dip, tomato and bacon on sourdough bread.

Ultimately, I decided to go in the seafood direction, but instead of the crabby melt, I ordered the crab flatbread pizza ($9.79), which I expected to be a typical pizza with crab dip on it. While authentic and delectable, however, the crab dip is rich, and the pizza was made only of the crust, a layer of crab dip and another healthy layer of mozzarella sprinkled with Old Bay seasoning.

It was tasty but far too much for one sitting; if this appeals to you, I suggest splitting it with friends as an appetizer.

I was also able to sample the wings. My dining buddy ordered 12 bone-in wings ($12.49). The Greene Turtle offers 10 different sauces, and this particular serving was split between the smoky BBQ and the garlic parmesan.

The smoky BBQ lived up to its name, with a lick-your-fingers smoky flavor, and the garlic parmesan was equally delicious, offering a surprising spicy kick.

Perhaps the best part about the Greene Turtle is the vast menu. There’s no arguing with a menu that uses the word “melty” on multiple occasions and has the distinct flavor of summers “downy ocean.”